Feb 16 • 13:01 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

Nursing Facilities: From Closing Unnecessary Units to Waiting for a Spot

The Elektrėnai Health Center is closing a nursing unit due to declining patient numbers and a shifting demand for services.

The Elektrėnai Health Center (ESSC) has announced the closure of a nursing unit in Vievys that houses 35 beds—33 for supportive and 2 for palliative care. This decision is primarily due to a significant drop in patients needing nursing services, as noted in a report submitted to the mayor of Elektrėnai, Gediminas Ratkevičius, by ESSC director Edita Paberalienė. There is a notable trend where the services are increasingly provided to non-residents of Elektrėnai, reflecting a broader change in community healthcare needs.

According to the analysis of the demand for supportive and nursing services, there has been a steep reduction of 1,034 bed days annually, translating to a 24% decrease when comparing the second halves of 2024 and 2025. This decline has resulted in underutilization of funding from the National Health Insurance Fund, which has previously ranged from €11,000 to €24,000 monthly. The financial implications of this descent in service demand have prompted the imperative to shift resources and close the Vievys unit, ensuring that services continue in Elektrėnai's primary facility.

This closure raises concerns about the future of nursing care in the region, as those needing such services may face longer wait times. It highlights the evolving needs within the community and the necessity for healthcare providers to adapt rapidly. As the dynamics of patient care continue to change, this decision reflects broader trends in healthcare accessibility and service efficiency, emphasizing the need for local authorities to reassess the distribution of healthcare resources in response to community demographic shifts.

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